1595: Nomenclator of Leiden University Library appears, the first printed catalog of an institutional library

1738: John Wesley is converted, launching the Methodist movement, celebrated annually by Methodists as Aldersgate Day

1844: Samuel Morse taps out “What hath God wrought” in the world’s first telegraph message

1883: Brooklyn Bridge is opened by President Chester A. Arthur and NY Governor Grover Cleveland

1941: German battleship Bismarck sinks British battlecruiser HMS Hood; 1,416 die, 3 survive

1988: Britain’s Parliament passes Section 28 as law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality. Repealed in 2001/2004.

Source: Onthisday.com